Advance your career with a CPHR
HR Certification
Take your career to new heights with a CPHR
Are you ready to boost your credibility as a certified HR practitioner? Becoming a CPHR is the ultimate endorsement of your HR capability and is a globally recognised mark of excellence.
Becoming HR Certified challenges you to think more strategically, sharpening your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and ensuring you’re equipped to meet the evolving demands of the profession.
Showcase your HR capability in alignment with the Australian HR Capability Framework and stand out from the crowd with a CPHR.
Why become a CPHR?
Showcase your excellence
Advance your career
Uphold HR standards
Elevate your professional status
Your pathway to a CPHR is unique to you
Learn more about the ways AHRI can support you to build your capability in preparation for the HR Certification Assessment
Complete our short 1 minute quiz to identify your unique pathway to becoming a CPHR and we will email you your personalised recommendation.
For mid-career professionals with 2+ years’ experience. Complete AHRI’s HR Certification Program consisting of 5 AHRCF micro-credentials to build your capability in preparation to successfully complete the HR Certification Assessment to become a CPHR.
For mid-career professionals to emerging leaders with 2-5 years’ experience. Complete the AHRCF Capability self-assessment to identify your knowledge gaps, before enrolling in the corresponding AHRCF Micro-credential.
For senior leaders, executives and consultants with 5+ years’ experience who feel confident they can demonstrate their HR capability at an ‘Emerging Leader’ level or higher. Fast-track directly to the HR Certification Assessment.
Ready to become a CPHR?
Your pathway to HR Certification is unique to you.
We offer pathways for HR generalists and specialists, consultants and academics. We will carefully consider your:
- HR experience
- People leadership experience
- Formal qualifications; and
- Confidence to demonstrate capability in alignment with the AHRCF.
Complete our HR Certification Pathways quiz and we’ll recommend the best pathway for you.
The role of the Australian HR Capability Framework
in HR Certification
The Australian HR Capability Framework (AHRCF) defines what great HR practice looks like in action. It outlines the capabilities, skills, knowledge and behaviours required of HR professionals to create exceptional employee experiences and drive strong organisational outcomes.
The AHRCF is central to HR Certification, serving as the benchmark against which HR practitioners are assessed to achieve CPHR status. The HR Certification Assessment evaluates the capabilities, behaviours, skills and knowledge (at an ‘Emerging Leader’ level or higher) in alignment with the AHRCF.
July 7th from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM AEST
In a fast-changing world of work, HR certification signals readiness, relevance, and rigour. It has helped position me as a trusted leader in the field, and I’m proud to be part of a community of practitioners committed to shaping the future of work with integrity and purpose.
Josette Moffatt CPHR
Founder and Managing Director, Talent Ecology
FAQs
What is HR Certification?
HR Certification is a professional recognition program that certifies professionals based on their demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience against the Australian HR Capability Framework (AHRCF). It demonstrates that you meet a national standard of excellence in the HR profession.
What are the minimum requirements to begin the process of becoming HR Certified?
Professional—MAHRI members meet the minimum requirements, in terms of HR experience and qualifications, to begin a pathway towards HR Certification.
Professional—MAHRI members are HR practitioners with:
- 5+ years’ HR experience; OR
- 2+ years’ HR experience with an undergraduate qualification or higher
What are AHRCF Micro-credentials?
AHRCF Micro-credentials are short, focused learning programs that allow HR professionals to develop specific skills and knowledge areas in alignment with the Australian HR Capability Framework (AHRCF). There are five Micro-credentials across the seven HR capability areas:
- Business Strategy & Culture Leadership – Covering: Strategic Leadership, HR Strategy, Business Acumen, Culture, Ethical Practice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
- Talent Management & Trusted Partnership – Covering: Talent Acquisition, Capability, Performance Management, Reward & Recognition, Succession Planning, Engagement Retention.
- Health, Safety & Wellbeing – Covering: Workplace Health & Safety, Wellbeing, Psychosocial Health, Psychological Safety.
- Organisational Enablement – Covering: Change Management, HR Operations & Compliance, Data Analytics and Insights, Artificial Intelligence and Technology.
- Workforce Effectiveness – Covering: Workforce Planning, Industrial Relations, Organisation Design, Work Design.
When can I register for a Micro-credential, and how soon can I start?
There are two delivery modes available – Facilitator-led and Self-led.
- Facilitator-led – courses are delivered over 2 days online.
- Self-led – are on-demand, you can register and start at any time.
Can the AHRCF Micro-credentials be used towards HR Certification?
The HR Certification Assessment needs to be successfully completed in order to achieve CPHR status. Whilst the AHRCF Micro-credentials are designed to enhance your capability in preparation to successfully complete the HR Certification Assessment, the AHRCF Micro-credentials cannot be used towards HR Certification.
How much does it cost to become a CPHR?
The total cost to become a CPHR will differ depending on the recommended pathway. Depending on your HR experience, people leadership experience and formal qualifications you may be recommended to go straight to the HR Certification Assessment, complete the HR Certification Program or undertake some of the AHRCF Micro-credentials to enhance your knowledge across specific capability areas. The costs are:
- HR Certification Assessment – $749
- AHRCF Micro-credential (each):
- Facilitator-led – $1499
- Self-led – $880
What happens once you achieve HR Certification?
Once you achieve HR Certification, you will gain official recognition as a Certified—CPHR member of AHRI.
Following endorsement of your HR Certification Assessment by the National Certification Council (who meet quarterly), you’ll receive your CPHR verified digital badge from Credly within 10 days.
How long does HR Certification remain valid?
Your HR Certification remains valid provided that your AHRI membership remains current, and that you maintain your CPD requirements (60 points every 3 years).
Should your AHRI membership lapse, so will your HR Certification status (CPHR). In this circumstance you will need to go through an appeals and approval process to renew your status and in some instances you may be required to undertake the HR Certification Assessment again.
How do I upgrade to Certified Fellow — FCPHR status?
CPHR members are invited to apply for Fellow Certified status via the fellow application form.